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health-fitness

March 26, 2014

NORTH ADAMS HOSPITAL UPDATE -- NO LEGAL REQUEST TO LIQUIDATE YET -- A check at 10:44 p.m. tonight of the "Pacer" online access to federal-court filings shows that Northern Berkshire Health Systems has not filed for a conversion to Chapter 7 liquidation of it's 2011 Chapter 11 reorganization case in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Worcester. This could suggest that negotiations are underway for some other solution besides closure. The hospital's law firm, Ropes and Grey in Boston, has declined comment.

This is a blog post, not a news story, which means the information may not be verified to the standards of traditional reporting. But here's a peak behind the scenes of what are likely frantic efforts to save some semblance of health-care services for the Greylock region, with the pending possible closing of North Adams Regional Hospital.

State Rep. Gailanne Cariddi has been spending the day in Boston trying to work with key legislative leaders, the governor and regulators. At mid-morning on Wednesday she said she was looking at trying to get an emergency bill under consideration that would change the Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates paid to NARH. She said she understood some $3 million might be needed to keep the hospital from closing immediately. That's what she told this blogger. As the day's gone one, she is less sure of what action is required or possible, apparently.

As of 11 a.m. today, the hospital had not filed any new motions or pleadings in the Chapter 11 reorganization proceeding it filed June 13, 2011 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Worcester (In re Northern Berkshire Healthcare, Inc., et al., Reorganized Debtors, Case No. 11-31114 (HJB)). One might expect if the hospital were closing that it would file a motion to convert the pleadings from Chapter 11 (a reorganization) to a Chapter 7 case (a liquidation). This could have implications for contracts with unions and pensioners.

The lawyer-of-record for Northern Berkshire Health Care Inc., in the bankruptcy case, James A. Wright III of the Boston law firm of Ropes & Gray LLP, decline comment when reached by phone, referring inquiries to the hospital system. Hospital spokesman Paul Hopkins did not return a phone call.

However, another person involved ine the bankruptcy case, speaking anonymously, suggested that there was no reason for the hospital system to take any legal action, even though the case is still pending before U.S District Judge Henry J. Boroff. This commentator speculated that while Judge Boroff might as a technical matter of law be able to order actions by the debtor-in-possession of the hospital, such as ordering them to stay open pending receipt of emergency funding from the state, it would be an unusual procedure for such a court.

In support of the American Cancer Society’s efforts throughout the country on the Smokeout, REACH will offer support to the north Berkshire community as well. Jennifer Civello, tobacco treatment program coordinator at REACH for Community Health at North Adams Regional Hospital, will be in the main lobby at the North Adams Regional Hospital on Thursday from 9 a.m. until noon. She will offer information on getting through the day without smoking, provide gum and candies to assist, and offer information on supportive counseling options offered through REACH.

“Current data from the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program reports that 26% of adults in North Adams are smokers, compared to 16% statewide,” said Civello. “Clearly there is still a great need in the area to reduce smoking rates. However, the health risks, financial burden, and social stigma attached to smoking are often still not enough to help smokers kick the habit,” she added. “Difficult times are often perceived as the wrong times to try quitting; there is never an easy time, but it’s often helpful if you have a concrete date. The Great American Smokeout provides smokers with just that.”

NAMI-BC will be collecting clothing donations, filling holiday bags and looking for new ideas for items that would be appreciated by both patients and staff. We invite you to drop off new or used clothing in good condition; the larger sizes are most needed-- from coats and active wear, such as, sweatpants and sweatshirts, to undergarments. Other items that could be well used are magazine or newspaper subscriptions, movies, books, writing pads and small things that will fit into holiday gifts bags such as note paper, pens, socks, flip-flops, playing cards, games, hats, gloves, travel size shampoo and conditioner, soaps, nail polish, candy and pocket calendars.

If anyone is interested in volunteering to pack these gift bags or to transport everything to the hospitals, please call the NAMI-BC office at (413) 443-1666. As always, monetary donations are gratefully accepted and checks can be made out to NAMI-BC. This year, items can be dropped off at the NAMI-BC office during their regular hours which are Monday-Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., State Building, 4th Floor, 133 East St., (across from Pittsfield High School), Pittsfield, MA 01201; or in Williamstown at the First Congregational Church, office of the secretary, Gail Burns, 906 Main Street; please use the entrance off Chapin Drive, during regular office hours which are Monday-Friday from 9:00-3:30, or Sunday during worship.

October 21, 2009

North Adams, MA - North Adams Regional Hospital's Medical Imaging Department will hold an open house on Wednesday, October 21, from 5 to 7 pm at the hospital's new digital mammography suite. Call Paul Hopkins at 413.664.5142 for information.

September 22, 2009

North Adams, MA - A benefit roast beef dinner for Tammy Moon, who has been stricken with breast cancer, will be held Saturday, September 26, from 4-8 pm at the North Adams American Legion. It will be catered by Dave Lewis. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children under twelve years of age. Tickets are available at the door or call 413-664.6617.